The Red and the Black by Stendhal (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide

Summary

In this clear and detailed reading guide, we’ve done all the hard work for you!The Red and the Black tells the tale of Julien Sorel, a young seminarian sent to tutor the children of a bourgeoisie family in a small village. He is caught up in this new lifestyle and learns to seduce these rich women, particularly his employer’s wife. But can he keep up his act of seduction or will he be caught?

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This practical and insightful reading guide includes:• A complete plot summary• Character studies• Key themes and symbols• Questions for further reflection

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The Red and the Black by Stendhal (Book Analysis) - Bright Summaries

French writer and art critic

Born in 1783 in Grenoble

Died in 1842 in Paris

Notable work:

Vanina Vanina (1829), short story

The Red and the Black (1830), novel

The Charterhouse of Parma (1839), novel

Stendhal, whose real name was Henri Beyle, was born in Grenoble in 1783 to a bourgeois family. In Paris, under the Directory, he was impassioned by the debates which sharpened his critical spirit. He discovered Italy and Germany during military campaigns as part of Bonaparte’s army. After 1815, he became an art critic in Milan and wrote touristic works which he signed under his pseudonym. From 1830, Louis-Philippe named him French Consul in Trieste and then Civitavecchia. It was here that he completed his most famous novels (The Red and the Black (1830), The Charterhouse of Parma (1839)) and an autobiography (The Life of Henry Brulard (1835-1836)). A stroke brought him back to Paris in 1841. He died the following year, leaving several manuscripts incomplete.